Definition
Civility is a moral virtue — treating others with dignity, respect, and seriousness — even in disagreement. It is deeper than politeness and essential to democratic life.
Civility
Why it matters
Democracy depends on a willingness to hear and engage with different perspectives. Civility does not require agreement or mere politeness; it requires respect for others as equal participants in public life.
Civility helps prevent both hostility and the suppression of necessary critique. Healthy democratic discourse requires courage, patience and a willingness to engage difficult ideas without dehumanizing others.
Classroom Activities
Dialogue Circles
Students participate in a facilitated circle process designed to co-create norms and discuss difficult issues in a structured, equitable format.
Resources
Complicating the Narratives
What if journalists covered controversial issues differently — based on how humans actually behave when they are polarized and suspicious?
Bridging Differences Playbook
A research-informed guide offering practical tools for bridging divides at intrapersonal, interpersonal and intergroup levels.
How to Lead a Conversation Between People Who Disagree
In a world deeply divided, how do we have hard conversations with nuance, curiosity, respect?